In an interview last January, all-star chef Alex Guarnaschelli said she believes that we’re entering a golden age of restaurants embracing the potential of vegetables. “The era of slapping together a bunch of vegetables if a vegan comes through your doors is coming to an end,” she added.

More Articles on Vegetarian Restaurants

Vegetarian restaurants are on the rise, and they are becoming more creative and playful by the day. Today, an ever-evolving list of vegetarian eateries around the world are catching the eyes — and tempting the appetites — of even the staunchest carnivores among us with their creative and inventive dishes.

Some restaurants, like L’Arancia Blu in Rome, are offering modern spins on vegetarian classics, like ricotta di bufala ravioli, while others have developed vegefied versions of meat staples like Bodhi’s Peking “duck” (Sydney) or The Chicago Diner’s famous meatless Reuben sandwich. But nearly every restaurant on our list boasts completely original creations across all kinds of cuisine — like the Jamaican jerk tempeh or beet pierogi at Leaf in Boulder, Co. or El Huerto’s vegetarian ceviche in Santiago, Chile.

In order to compile our list of the best vegetarian restaurants around the world, we started by looking at vegetarian restaurants that have a proven history of success through accolades, awards, and positive press. We also consulted forums like TripAdvisor and Yelp to gain insight into what really matters: the everyday customers’ experiences. Additionally, we considered the number of options on offer while also taking into consideration the creativity of the menu.

Take a look at our list of the best vegetarian restaurants around the world. Feel like we’ve missed one? Let us know by tweeting @TheDailyMeal.

#25 Feynan — Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan

Flickr/3adwan

Located on the western edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Feynan offers guests an experience beyond the usual restaurant meal: vegetarian spreads eaten in view of mountainscapes dotted with goats trotting past across the red sand. The eco-lodge is driven to be environmentally sustainable, but also focus on the sustainability of the locals’ livelihoods, offering employment opportunities to villagers who would otherwise need to move to a city to support their families. Meals are inspired by traditional Arab cuisine and come with fresh bread baked daily by local women.

#24 Madras — Mumbai, India

Tripadvisor/melvai

Much of Indian cuisine centers on meat-free cuisine, so a vegetarian’s palate can be easily satisfied throughout most of the subcontinent. Mumbai stands out for its culinary strength, with five-star restaurants of every possible cuisine, but Café Madras is a favorite local haunt with good South Indian food, excellent value and an antiquated charm. The café’s idlis and dosas are must-haves in Mumbai.